Panthers Week 7 X-Factor: The great Philadelphia turnover battle

Panthers Week 7 X-Factor: The great Philadelphia turnover battle

There are so many factors involved in winning or losing football games that there’s almost too many to count. However, usually there’s a handful of critical areas in each game that decide the outcome more often than not. This week for the Panthers, their X-Factor is that they need to win the turnover battle against the Eagles.

Coming into Week 7, Carolina has taken care of the ball relatively well. The Panthers have only seven giveaways through five games and their turnover differential is +2. Cam Newton has mostly been sharp in this area, but he’ll have to take extra care of the ball this week.

Philadelphia’s front seven thrives in its ability to not only get after the quarterback but to force him to cough up the ball. Last year when they won the Super Bowl, they ranked in the top five in both interceptions and forced fumbles recovered. This year though, the Eagles have not been nearly as successful taking the ball away, averaging just one per game.

The champs have also been sloppy with ball security so far this season. They lead the NFL with nine fumbles through six games.

Carolina’s defense has always been at its best when it’s able to force turnovers. It also can cover-up some of the defensive issues we’ve seen on the field lately. If Philly continues giving the ball away in today’s game, the Panthers absolutely must take advantage and score on those opportunities, which would go a long way towards an upset.